Can You Put Thumb Tacks in LED Lights- Explained With Pros and Cons

Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 07:39 pm

LED lights are one of the great revolutions. They are durable and flexible. You can install strips in a number of ways. However, some users want to put thumb tacks in LED lights.

Because they consider it the easiest way to install the strips anywhere. But, it is natural to ask whether thumb tacks or push pins are a good option or not.

If you are searching for a candid answer to this question, read this article. I would discuss this query in detail so that you can understand everything.

Putting Thumb Tacks in LED Lights: YES or NO?

Although you can put thumb tacks in LED light strips yet it is not an effective way to install them permanently. But, you can use tacks to hold the strips in place during the installation process.

Moreover, tacks are useful to install lights on wooden or soft surfaces. They have low cost and can be reused many times.

The sharp pins can damage the LEDs. Hence, your strips will become useless. Therefore, you should be very careful while using tacks.

Can Thumb Tacks Work on All Surfaces?

Practically, you cannot put thumb tacks on every kind of surface. Because some are too hard to penetrate.

For example, it is very difficult to insert tacks into a concrete, brick, or stone wall. So, you should not try on such a wall.

But, a wooden wall or surface such as a bed, sofa, and cabinet can accept tacks easily. Wood is penetrable and less hard than a wall. Installation of thumb tacks is easy on it.

Likewise, thumb tacks can be used to install LED lights on a soft plastic surface. Further, tacks are a great option if your surface is fabric or foam.

What is The Right Way to Put Thumb Tacks?

Thumb tacks are of different styles. The simple ones are made of metal with a circular head. While others are called push pins and are made of plastic. They are relatively easier to install and safer to use.

So, you should use push pins to install your LED strips. But, be sure not to pierce the lights to damage them. Do not insert them on the printed circuit. Instead, you can use the pins on the ends or sides.

Are Thumb Tacks Reliable?

You cannot completely rely on thumb tacks for installing the LED strip lights. Because they cannot provide necessary holding power.

The light strips will come off the surface soon. So, you have to consider other installation options such as adhesive glue or tape.

Then, use the push pins on the sides to hang the strips. However, if you install the lights on a horizontal surface, pins alone can work.

Alternatives to Thumb Tacks

There are a lot of alternatives to installing LED lights. The strips come with adhesive backs. You just peel off the back cover and stick them to the surface.

However, if the adhesive is not enough, you can use extra 3M glue. Another option is using double-sided tape. Furthermore, you can use masking tape, Velcro, or Command strips.

Using magnets, screws, hooks, and nails are other great options. Last but not least is the mounting putty which is a seamless and removable option. Read full detail in this article. ♦(Kindly put the link to [how to stick led lights on the wall without adhesive]

Why You Should Use Thumb Tacks in LED Lights?

Thumb tacks can be used under certain conditions. Because they have some benefits and pros. Here we will discuss why should we use tacks in LEDs.

1. Great for Reinforcement

Tacks offer a great way of reinforcement. If you stick strips on a surface, you can hold them firmly via the tacks. Because pins are small and can be hidden easily.

They are very useful if you want to install strip lights under tables, cabinets, or sofas. Moreover, they are available in different colors. So, you can choose a color that matches your lights.

2. Ideal for Soft Materials

Thumb tacks are ideal for soft materials such as foam, fabric, or wood. Hence, they are very helpful for installing LED lights on furniture.

Furthermore, you can protect the surface from damage. In contrast, adhesives or tapes can leave marks.

3. Easy to Remove

A great advantage of thumb tacks is that they are easy to remove. Hence, you can uninstall your LEDs from one place and can re-install them in another place. Moreover, they do not leave significant marks. So, tacks do not damage the surface.

4. Best for Budget

Push pins are very cheap and available easily. Mostly, they are lying in your toolbox. Moreover, they can be used multiple times and do not expire.

You can uninstall LED lights from one surface and can use the same pins to install them on the other surface. In contrast, adhesives or tapes become useless and you have to buy fresh material again.

5. Assist in the Installation Process

Sometimes, it becomes difficult to install longer strip lights. You have to stick them in parts using adhesive. You successfully install half of the LED strip but the other half sweeps it away.

Hence, your effort goes useless. This problem can be solved by push pins. You can hold the strips in place by inserting the pins at different points on the lights. First, decide the style and mark the surface.

Now, hang or install the strips with the help of tacks. Remove the first tack and paste the LED. Likewise, remove the second one and stick this section and so on.

Why You Should NOT Use Thumb Tacks in LED Lights?

Everything has benefits and drawbacks. In addition to benefits, thumb tacks also have some cons or disadvantages. If you intend to use them, know the harm too.

1. Damage to Waterproofing

Most LED strips are protected with a waterproof coating. These coverings are made of glue or some other delicate material. Thumb tacks can damage this layer and your lights will be exposed to water.

The Circuit board of the lights can damage if water comes in contact. Further, it can corrode your lights. It is especially dangerous in moist areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or pools.

2. Risk of Short Circuit

Once the waterproofing layer breaks, water enters the lights. It can lead to a short circuit and fire in the worst cases. Furthermore, tacks can contact the circuit board.

Because they are made of metal, they can conduct current. This situation can lead to a short circuit. The lights will fail and you will have to replace them with new ones.

3. Unreliable Installation

Tacks are good for installing LED strips temporarily. They are not good for long-term holding. Because the metal pins can come out of the surface.

Additionally, tacks can break and are unable to hold strips in place. Resultantly, the LED lights fall off and may cause injuries or accidents. If they are visible, tacks look aesthetically bad.

FAQs Regarding LED Strip Lights

Here are some interesting queries that users ask frequently. Hopefully, they will give you more knowledge and understanding.

What are the cons of LED strip lights?

A few sections can fail from an entire strip thus looking unattractive. If a section fails, you have to replace the whole strip. Because replacement of a single small bulb is tricky. Lumen output is low as compared to bulbs using the same power. Adhesives lose power over time, leave marks, and can damage the surface.

Are multi-colored LED strip lights harmful to health?

Multiple or changing colors can affect the retina and cause eye strain. The light can disturb the circadian rhythm of the body. LEDs emit light similar to the blue light from mobile phones. Prolonged exposure to LED lights can worsen the situation and can cause long-term health effects.

What color LED light is good at night and for better sleep?

Red LED light is great for illuminating at night and for sleep. Because it has a lower color temperature as compared to sunlight. It does not disturb your body’s natural clock. Hence, it helps you in sleeping calmly.

Also Read:  Fix Discolored LED Strip Lights Best Solutions

Final Suggestion

The above discussion concludes that thumb tacks are neither totally bad nor totally good. You can put thumb tacks in LED lights but under certain conditions. The most important thing is to be careful and accurate while using them.